It’s easy to take the solution of the toilet for granted. It’s easy to take the solution of planning, problem-solving, and creating for granted in design.

If you are attempting to design something, I would encourage you to contemplate on the toilet. To clarify, to actually contemplate the toilet.

All that needs to be known about design can be found in the toilet. Fortunately, in most places where this post will be read, the reliability and functionality are so common that we’re only surprised when they’re not.

Thought #1: Calibrate the design so that 100% satisfaction for the user is 80% utility for the design. Reliability differentiates overproduction from intentionality — hands-free vs manual flush.

Thought #2: Nest the design so that it is a part that seamlessly interacts with the system it resides. Functionality differentiates an efficient design from an effective design — porta-potty vs flush.

All good designs are easily taken for granted.

Are you designing something as elegant as a toilet or are you designing a dump?